Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: and methanol is one of such carbon-neutral pathways. However, thermal catalytic processes for direct dimethyl carbonate synthesis have reached a performance bottleneck at elevated temperatures. This work explores the synergy of photon and thermal energy to enhance the dimethyl carbonate production rate to 30 mmol/g/h, together with 100% selectivity, thanks to a defect-modified and noble-metal free cerium oxide catalyst. Fundamentally, it is found that the defects in cerium oxide can provide energy levels that enable IR light absorption and generate holes with a moderate oxidation potential, so avoiding the unfavorable overoxidation pathway and enhancing the production rate of dimethyl carbonate. The thermal energy has been proved to remarkably facilitate the relaxation of IR-induced charge carriers and to enhance the dimethyl carbonate formation process. This work introduces a strategy of IR photons and thermo co-driven catalysis and achieves a breakthrough in dimethyl carbonate formation.
Source: Advanced Materials
Authors: Enqi Chen, Chao Wang, Lunqiao Xiong, Yaxuan Zheng, Jingyin Tian, Xiyi Li, Yang Lan, Junwang Tang
Language: English
Subfield: Process Chemistry and Technology
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funders: Government of the United Kingdom, UK Research and Innovation, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Tsinghua University, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, National Key Research and Development Program of China, HORIZON EUROPE European Innovation Council
OpenAlex ID: W4416193858